Too Many Choices???

I remember finally realizing that everyone learns differently one year as I was teaching a mini-lesson in 2nd grade...

One boy was listening & answering questions while break-dancing in the back of the room. One girl would not so much as even move her finger while I was speaking.
Every time one boy answered & I asked him to connect the answer to his life, it always related to a song. I had one little girl who brought her composition book with her to the carpet every time we read a book & discussed it just so she could take notes. I had one little love bug who had to tap something when he listened to a story...Thankfully I convinced him that tapping his fingers together was movement enough but didn't make noise & interrupt others' learning!

Scripture tells us in Romans 12 we each have different gifts, given to us for a specific purpose. Jeremiah says we are created for His purposes which He intends for good. What comfort I find in knowing He created me to be JUST. LIKE. THIS!!!

Research tells us that children learn best when individual differences are taken into account and learning styles are acknowledged as an important, contributing factor of learning. We also know that providing interesting activities which make children feel valued, accepted, and challenged increase their long-term memory. Establishing rules and boundaries are also key in a child's early education.

So how do you select the right curriculum for your child? By taking into account the kind of learner you're teaching! Even the most hands-on, tactile learner can be taught to understand the importance of memorizing multiplication facts. A child who likes everything neat, organized, and perfected can also become a very talented artist. Finding out what style of learning your child best relates to, gives you an edge on those who think the child in the back of the room break-dancing is not paying attention. (((Just a side note on this young man...He scored a perfect score on the FCAT! ...I'm sure it was all due to his 2nd grade teacher...HeeHeeHeee!!!)))

Right now, I am offering a learning styles assessment to all of my homeschoolers ~ current and new ~ for a discounted price during the months of June and July. A 1-hour session is normally $40 for the evaluation and for this limited time, I have reduced the price to $20. This will give you valuable information and insights into your child's world of learning. In this short, 1-hour session, I sit down with your child, one-on-one, for about 30 minutes and ask him/her a few questions. I will then spend the remaining 30 minutes talking with you and not only give you a written explanation of how he/she learns best but also offer some suggestions as to how you can engage him/her more during the school day. Taking these steps will probably validate some of what you already know ... But more importantly, it will allow you to consider changing a few things about your homeschooling day in order to best serve your child. We can do this at your home, my home, or an outside location. My suggestion is your home because children feel most comfortable in their own surroundings.

These factors are important to consider as you begin your selection of curriculum for next year. "I've already ordered it!" you say. No worries! Remember, this will give you valuable information as to how your child learns BEST. So regardless of what is in the textbook you've chosen, you can begin to come up with very creative ways to teach your child, according to his/her own personality!

If you aren't interested in this service but would like more information regarding assistance in the selection of curriculum for next year, I would love the opportunity to assist your family. Call me today at 962-9596 or email me at scritzer711@gmail.com to schedule your appointment!

Happy Learning ~
Shannan